Harmanpreet Kaur has often been shadowed by the frustration of narrow defeats, but the Indian captain is confident her team is ready to break through in the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup, starting on October 3 in the UAE. She believes that her squad has made all the necessary preparations and is eager to go the distance this time around. With everything in place, Kaur feels optimistic about overcoming past hurdles and achieving success.
Harmanpreet Kaur Talked About World Cup Journey and Australia’s Challenge:
Since the Women’s T20 World Cup began in 2009, India has reached the final just once, in 2020, where they were defeated by Australia. They also contested the Women’s ODI World Cup final in 2017. Harmanpreet Kaur, who played in both finals, captained the Indian team during the 2020 T20 World Cup campaign.
She said, “This is the best team we are going forward with. The players have been playing together for a long time. For us we came so close last time and lost in semis (2023).”
Harmanpreet expressed this during the pre-departure press conference ahead of the T20 World Cup, which starts on October 3. She emphasized her thoughts on the team’s preparation and aspirations as they look forward to competing in the tournament. “We have ticked all the boxes in terms of preparation compared to the small things were not there maybe in earlier editions.”
India has not played any matches since late July when they unexpectedly finished second to Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup. She said, “During the Asia Cup, we played good cricket, one odd day things did not go to plan,” said Harmanpreet, who has been part of all the T20 World Cup that have been staged till date.
They held a comprehensive training camp at the NCA, focusing on fitness and fielding, which have been areas of concern. Head coach Muzumdar and chief selector Neetu David also attended the conference.
With nearly 15 years of experience in global events, she still feels as enthusiastic as she did during her first World Championship, reflecting her passion for the competition. She said, “I know I have played so many World Cups but I have the same excitement as I had when I was 19.”
Harmanpreet Kaur Confident of India’s Chances Against Australia in T20 World Cup 2024
India’s primary competition will be from England and Australia, both of whom have a knack for overcoming challenges to secure victories against India in ICC events. Their ability to turn the tide, even in tough circumstances, poses a significant threat to India’s aspirations in the upcoming tournament. She said, “We can beat any team and Australia know that very well. They know if there is one team that can beat them it is us.”
Also talked About Dedication to Improving Athletic Performance in Training:
Head coach Muzumdar provided insights into the key focus areas for the team during their training camp in Bengaluru. He highlighted the importance of honing specific skills and strategies that would enhance their performance, ensuring the players are well-prepared for the challenges ahead in the upcoming tournament.
He said, “We did identify a few things (after the loss to Sri Lanka) and we went about in the subsequent camp. We first had a fitness and fielding camp. Then we had a 10 day skills only camp. We brought in a sports psychologist also (Mughda Bawre). She has been fantastic with the group.”
He added, “We focused on enhancing athletic ability, all-round fielding abilities, there were yoga sessions and psychological sessions were added. We are prepared for everything. In the skills camp, we had nets and five games in 10 days time. We have ticked all the boxes as far as preparation is concerned.”
He expressed strong confidence in the batting lineup, even though it lacks the same explosive strength found in teams like Australia and England. He believes that their skills and teamwork will compensate for this difference during the competition.
He further said, “Our top six are the best. Their styles and mannerisms are different. Number three we have identified but we will reveal that when eleven is announced. In T20s, number three sets game the up, in any form actually, “As far as the conditions are concerned, it will be similar to India. Start of the season they could be extra bounce especially in Dubai but climate will be just like India.”
Chief selector David also said, “We have done what is the best for the team. The bench strength is also looking good. Shadow tours (India A tours) are also helping on that front.”
Stay updated with all the cricketing action, follow Cricadium on WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Telegram and Instagram
